When Time Is Short

Posted on June 21, 2025 by jesustrek

A doctor gave his patient a thorough examination and solemnly announced, “I think you have about ten more to live.” Deeply alarmed, the man replied, “Ten what!? Years? Months?” The doctor answered, “Nine, eight, seven…”

What do we do when time is short? The Bible has some answers for us. 1 Pet.4:7-11 says, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

We are nearer the end of all things than we have ever been before. Therefore we must pray. Here Peter echoes the words of Jesus, who often urges his followers to prepare for his Second Coming by watching and praying. To pray properly we must be alert and sober-minded. We must be aware of what is going on in the world around us and keep our minds clear for effective prayer to take place. Don’t be distracted. Keep your mind clear. Be serious about prayer.

Then Peter says we must love each other deeply. Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35). How can we love our neighbor—and even our enemies! –if we can’t even love our fellow Christians? We need to strive to love our brothers and sisters in Christ more and more and always be looking for opportunities to put that love into practice.

Finally, Peter says that we need to use the gifts that God has given us. Sometimes the exercise of those gifts involves speaking. Other times it involves serving. Whether we are speaking or doing, the Lord is our source of wisdom and strength. It is God who provides us with all we need to say and do the right things to promote the kingdom of God, thus giving him the glory and praise that he truly deserves.

Knowing that time is short, this is how we must live.

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Forget It

Posted on June 20, 2025 by jesustrek

It is told that after the Civil War Robert E. Lee visited a woman in Kentucky who took him to the remains of a once magnificent tree that stood on her property. She complained to him that the tree had been destroyed by artillery fire from the Union army. She stood there waiting for Lee to condemn the North or at least sympathize with her. Instead, he said, “Cut it down, my dear madam, and forget it.”

When we are greatly wronged, we tend to want to hold on to the pain, and we might expect others to join us in our state of mourning. How much healthier it is to choose to forgive and put the incident in the past.

Is there any tree in your life that you need to cut down and forget?

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”—Col.3:13

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Fill Up Your Senses with God

Posted on May 15, 2025 by jesustrek

John Denver wrote a beautiful song to the love of his life, his wife Annie. In that song he tells her, “You fill up my senses…” He wanted her to know that she was a very special part of his life.

I think that God wants to fill up our senses. Our creator wants to be an intimate part of our lives. Our heavenly Father wants to engage us in every possible way. But it is up to us to allow him to do so. Let’s look at some of the various ways we can let God fill up our senses.

Our sense of hearing enables us to listen to God. Deuteronomy 6:4-6 says, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” When we hear the word of God proclaimed, we must not turn a deaf ear; we must listen to what he says and obey.

Taste is another sense that allows us to experience God. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” Some children won’t even try a food that is good for them. So it is with some people who have an opportunity to taste of the Lord. They don’t know what is good for them! Sharing in the Lord’s Supper gives us an excellent opportunity to taste the goodness of God, who gave his only Son as a sacrifice to pay for our sins.

Sometimes the sense of smell can be used to draw us closer to God. A lady once poured expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house where she did this “…was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3). Even with the scent of worship so prevalent in the air, some people there didn’t understand the significance of this beautiful act of adoration.

Jesus urged his followers to use their sense of sight to deepen their faith in him. After his resurrection, he appeared to them, and they were frightened. He said to them. “Look at my hands and my feet…” (Luke 24:39). He wanted them to see that he truly was the one who had died for them. I think that Jesus still wants us to take a good look at him and know beyond a shadow of any doubt that he is the crucified, yet risen, Lord and Savior.

Have you ever noticed how often Jesus touched people? Sometimes he reached out to them. At other times, individuals took the initiative and reached out to him. And the Bible says that “…all who touched him were healed.” (Mark 6:56). The touch of the Master can cure the greatest human need of all—the need for healing of the soul. Do you long for the Savior’s touch today?

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about a young man who ran away from his father. It was only after he “…came to his senses…” (v.17) that he finally decided to come home for good. Maybe it’s time for you to come to your senses and come home to your heavenly Father. Maybe it’s time for you to allow God to impact your life in a very special way.

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Becoming a V.I.P. in Your Church

Posted on May 3, 2025 by jesustrek

An arrogant tourist stopped at a country store in a rural area and sarcastically asked an old gentleman sitting on the porch, “Have any famous people ever been born here?” “Nope,” came the reply. “Only babies.”

For the most part, it’s true that we are not handed a certain status at birth. What we become in life is largely the result of a collection of important choices. I want to encourage you to decide to become a V.I.P. in your church.

“V” is for vision. Great church members are those who share with the church leaders a God-given vision for what that church can become. How frustrating it is to hear Christians utter phrases like, “We never did it that way before!”

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (KJV). There are too many people perishing in our churches today! They’re going nowhere, and they don’t see what God could possibly do to revive them in their jobs, in their family relationships and in their place in the community. They don’t see the possibilities for kingdom growth in their church. Our churches must become centers of hope where the vision is cast for a better future. Vision is contagious. When just a few people catch God’s vision for the church, be sure that God will move in the church.

“I” is for influence. John Maxwell says, “Leadership is influence.” If you want to be a significant member of your church, you must exert a positive influence on people.

Jabez boldly requested that God would enlarge his territory (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). Simply put, he wanted to be a person of greater influence.

Jesus says that his people are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He is talking about influence. We should constantly be looking for ways to expand our sphere of influence. The more people we impact in a positive manner, the greater effect we can have for God’s kingdom.

“P” is for purpose. You must understand God’s role for you in your local church. Many people are enthusiastically trying to serve the Lord, but they haven’t yet found their specific purpose in the church. They are like square pegs trying to fit into round holes! This can be a source of frustration and can lead to burnout.

We each have specific gifts and talents to use and duties to perform in order to build up the church (Romans 12:3-8). When the people in a local congregation begin to understand how God has gifted each of them, it’s like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle beginning to come together. It’s liberating and energizing to finally understand God’s purpose for you in the church. As you focus on your area of giftedness, you can strive to excel in your specific type of ministry (1 Timothy 1:6). When other people see you doing this, they will be encouraged to follow your example.

Your church needs people who are visionary, influential and who understand their purpose. Hopefully, you are well on your way to becoming a V.I.P. in your church.

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A Vibrant Church

Posted on April 26, 2025 by jesustrek

In Acts 11:19-30, we read about the church at Antioch. It was a very vibrant congregation, one that would be a good example for any church to follow. Let’s look at what was going on there and see what we can learn from the church at Antioch.

First, the congregation consisted of people who had been changed by the gospel message. They had believed in the crucified and resurrected Jesus and this faith had caused them to be transformed from what they had previously been. When Barnabas arrived at Antioch, he “saw what the grace of God had done” (v.23). A healthy church is filled with people who have been changed by the grace of God.

Second, the church at Antioch was encouraged. Barnabas, who was called “the son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36), was glad to see what God had done there and “…encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (v.23). We all need encouragement. There are so many discouraging things that go on in the world around us that we need to be lifted up by people like Barnabas. Consider all the people who have encouraged you along the way in your Christian life. Now think about how you could follow their example and encourage those around you. A church with encouragers is a delightful church to worship and serve in.

Next, we see that the church at Antioch was a growing church. Twice in this chapter it says that a great number of people believed in and came to the Lord (vv.21,24). We must never lose sight of our mission to make disciples. A church that is reaching other people for Jesus keeps its members excited about the work of the kingdom.

Then we notice that this congregation was a teaching church. “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (vv.25-26). It is a shame to see such a woeful lack of biblical knowledge today. In an age of ignorance and false doctrine, we need to be diligent about teaching our church members the truth of God’s word. No church can be a vibrant congregation without a healthy dose of the Bible.

Finally, we read that the church at Antioch was a generous congregation. When they heard about a severe famine, they decided to take up an offering to give to the needy brothers and sisters in Christ who were living in Judea (vv.27-30).

This is a pretty good list of things to do if we want our churches to be healthy and vibrant. May God bless our efforts to do these things!

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The Risen Christ

Posted on April 18, 2025 by jesustrek

In Mark’s account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we read (ch.16) about how the women who were close to Jesus waited until the Sabbath was over before coming to the tomb of Jesus early on Sunday morning to anoint his body. Even though they were anxious to pay tribute to Jesus in this way, they also wanted to honor the Sabbath, the holy day of worship for the Jews. If only today’s followers of Jesus were so adamant about revering the Lord’s Day, Sunday.

On their way to the tomb, they wondered who would roll the huge stone away from the tomb for them so that they could perform their intended task. Yet they proceeded, having faith that God would provide a way. When they arrived, they found that the stone had already been rolled away. Quite often we wonder how we will complete a certain task for the Lord, since it seems to be beyond our power. And time after time, as we go forward, the Lord himself intervenes, enabling us to perform the task at hand.

The women were alarmed to see a young man, no doubt an angel, sitting in the opened tomb. The typical reaction of people who encounter angels is to be fearful. The angel told them not to be alarmed and informed him that the crucified Jesus was not there because he had risen. He then gave the women the assignment to go and tell this good news to the disciples.

The resurrected Jesus himself would appear to many of his followers. The fact that this dead man came back to life was shocking news. However, considering the way that he lived and taught and the miracles that he performed, it would seem shocking if such a person had not come back to life!

This resurrected Jesus gave his followers a very important mission. “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned’.” (16:15-16).

Jesus went on to say that miraculous signs would follow them, confirming that their message was true. Mark’s gospel ends with this verse— “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” (16:20).

Those of us who follow Jesus today still have that same assignment—to tell the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and to announce the conditions for salvation that God has offered to mankind. Let us be very diligent in carrying out that assignment.

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The Cornerstone

Posted on April 5, 2025 by jesustrek

In Mark 12:1-12 we read the parable of the tenants; a story Jesus told to his opponents to point out the error of their ways.

The story begins with a man planting a vineyard, renting it to some farmers and then going on a long journey. At harvest time the vineyard owner sent a series of servants to collect the rent, but the tenants shamefully treated the servants with violence and even killed some of them. Finally, the vineyard owner sent his beloved son, thinking the tenants would respect him. But they killed him too, reasoning that they would then get the vineyard all for themselves. Jesus concluded the story by saying that the owner would return and kill the wicked tenants and give the vineyard to others.

The owner of the vineyard is God. The vineyard he planted represents the nation of Israel. The tenants are the Israelite people, especially the leaders. God expected the nation to produce spiritual fruit, but they failed to do so. He sent his servants, the prophets, to remind the people of their responsibilities to be fruitful. However, the prophets were routinely ignored, mistreated and even killed. Finally, God would send his beloved Son Jesus. Alas, Jesus too would be rejected, mistreated and put to death on a cross. Therefore, God will pour out his ultimate wrath on those who reject Jesus.

After telling this story, Jesus then referred his listeners to Psalm 118:22-23, which says, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

The Bible often depicts Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. Without Jesus there would be no kingdom of God, no church, and no salvation. Unless we build our lives on the cornerstone, Jesus, we build to no avail.

At the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that we have a choice to build our lives on the sand or on the rock. Foolish people build on the sand, and when the storms come, all they have built will be destroyed. On the other hand, wise people build on the rock, and when the storms come, what they have built will endure (Matt.7:24-27).

Don’t be foolish. Don’t reject Jesus, the cornerstone. Build your life upon the rock of our salvation.

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King Jesus

Posted on March 29, 2025 by jesustrek

All four gospel writers record the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion. Following the account in Mark 11 we see that Jesus rode on a colt, fulfilling the Messianic prophecy of Zech.9:9, which says, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” And rejoice they did! “Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9).

After reaching Jerusalem, Jesus went to the nearby village of Bethany to spend the night there with his twelve disciples. Upon returning to Jerusalem the next day, Jesus saw a fig tree and approached it looking for fruit. Finding none, Jesus said to the tree, “…May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (Mark 11:14). The disciples would be amazed to find the tree completely withered the very next day.

When he reached Jerusalem and entered the temple courts, Jesus drove out the merchants and overturned the tables of the moneychangers. He said that the temple was supposed to be a house of prayer for all nations, but instead it had been turned into a den of robbers.

What important truths about King Jesus can we glean from this brief look at a very important Scripture?

First, we must see that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of the expected Messiah. The New Testament writers often point out how Jesus met the criteria of Messiah by living out the predictions that were made about him. If we believe the Scriptures, we must accept that Jesus is the Messiah.

Second, we must understand that Jesus deserves to be worshiped. When the crowds loudly praised him, he did not rebuke them. He accepted the praise and adoration that was offered to him.

Third, it is evident that Jesus expects us to bear fruit. The fig tree that was cursed was a symbol of the Jewish religion that had not borne the fruit that God expected them to produce. The same principle applies to the church today and to every individual Christian. King Jesus expects us to make a difference in the lives of other people.

Finally, it is clearly seen that Jesus expects his people to be people of prayer. We must gather to offer prayers on behalf of all people. Our prayers, if offered in faith and within the will of God, are powerful and effective (James 5:16).

To sum it up, if Jesus is our King we will always strive to be worshipful, fruitful and prayerful.

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The Way of the Cross

Posted on March 21, 2025 by jesustrek

Mark 8:27-38 tells us about the way of the cross. Jesus asked his disciples who people were saying he was. They answered that people thought he was one of the prophets who had come back to life. Then Jesus asked them who they thought he was. Peter answered for the group, “You are the Messiah.”

Jesus then began to teach them what kind of Messiah he would be. He would suffer many things and even be killed, but after three days he would rise to life again. Peter could not accept this idea, and he even had enough nerve to rebuke Jesus! Jesus in turn rebuked Peter quite harshly for having human concerns rather than the concerns of God.

What follows is some of the most important teaching about what it means to be a Christian. “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.’” (Mark 8:34-38).

One of the greatest misunderstandings about Christianity is the thought that it is an easy life. Jesus says quite the opposite! Just as Jesus had to make sacrifices to leave heaven, take on human form and die on a cross, his followers too must make sacrifices. Many would-be followers of Jesus pursue the pleasures the world has to offer, but Jesus says the life of a disciple is one of self-denial, to the point where we must take up our own cross and follow him. That doesn’t sound like a life of leisure now, does it?

We must constantly ask ourselves some tough questions: Do I have a cross on my back? Am I living selflessly? What am I denying myself in order to live for Jesus?

This is a difficult teaching, but one that every professing Christian must take seriously. To miss this point is to miss everything! Eternity is at stake!

Here’s hoping that you find some splinters in your shoulder!

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The Feeding of the Five Thousand

Posted on March 20, 2025 by jesustrek

All four gospel writers tell us of the amazing historic event when Jesus miraculously fed five thousand people. The multiple recordings of this episode in Scripture shows us that God really wants us to pay attention to what happened there. Looking at Mark’s account of the event (6:30-44), let’s see some of the lessons we can learn.

First, we see that Jesus wanted to get away with his disciples for some rest, but the needs of the people outweighed the need for the disciples to rest. While rest is indeed important, sometimes you must work while you are tired, especially if you are helping others.

Second, notice that before Jesus fed the crowd, he taught them. Spiritual needs always take precedence over physical needs. We should always remember this, and it should be reflected in our thoughts, words, prayers and actions.

Next, we see that the disciples suggested that Jesus dismiss the crowds so that they could go get something to eat. Jesus had other plans, however. We must not be so quick to dismiss others when instead we could be inviting them to have a closer look at the Jesus who is able and willing to take care of all their needs.

Then, Jesus told his disciples to give them something to eat. He asked them to do the impossible so that they would rely on his power rather than their own. And he invited them to participate in his work.

After that, Jesus directed the disciples to have the people sit down in groups of hundreds and fifties. God is a God of order, not disorder. When we take a little time to get organized, we can operate much more efficiently.

Then Jesus received the five loaves and two fish that were available. When we bring our meager resources to Jesus, he can multiply them many times over.

We also see that Jesus gave thanks for the food. Being thankful for our blessings, even though they may be small, is a critical part of Christian living.

Only then did Jesus perform the miracle of multiplying the bread and fish. He gave the disciples the food to distribute to the people. There are some things that only Jesus can do. However, there are many things that we can do ourselves.

The people ate and they were all satisfied. The disciples even gathered twelve basketfuls of food that were left over. This teaches us that God is completely able to provide for all our needs. It also lets us know that we should not be wasteful. Even though God can provide in abundance, we should be good stewards of all his blessings.

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